Riverside Residences New Farm

I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Riverside Residences in New Farm, I wasn’t expecting much from the exterior. It’s one of those apartment-style buildings that Brisbane seems to have everywhere, you know? But actually stepping inside completely changed my perspective, and after spending a few nights there, I get why it’s earned that solid 8.3 rating.

The thing about New Farm is that it’s perfectly positioned if you want to feel like you’re living in Brisbane rather than just visiting it. You’re literally a five-minute walk from the Brisbane River, which means morning jogs along the boardwalk are basically mandatory (in the best way). The Powerhouse is right there too – I mean, you can see it from some of the rooms – so if there’s a good show on, you’ll hear the buzz of people heading over in the evenings. What really sold me though was how easy it was to get around. The CityCat stops at Sydney Street wharf, and honestly, that ferry ride into the city center beats any taxi ride for scenery. Plus, you’ve got James Street just around the corner, which… well, if you know Brisbane, you know that’s where all the good coffee and shopping happens.

The rooms themselves are spacious – properly spacious, not hotel-brochure spacious. I had a one-bedroom apartment that felt more like someone’s actual home than a hotel room, complete with a full kitchen that I actually used (rare for me when traveling). The balcony overlooked the residential streets, which was surprisingly peaceful. You get the city energy during the day but it quiets down nicely at night. Check-in was straightforward, though I’d recommend calling ahead if you’re arriving after 8 PM – it’s not like a big hotel with 24-hour reception. The building itself is well-maintained, and parking was included, which saved me about $30 a day compared to staying in the CBD.

Here’s what I really appreciated: the place doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s comfortable, clean, and functional without any unnecessary frills. The wifi actually worked properly (always a gamble), the air conditioning was quiet, and the bed was decent – not luxury hotel spectacular, but you’ll sleep well. The location is what makes it special though. You’re close enough to walk to New Farm Park when you need green space, the weekend markets at Jan Powers are a quick stroll away, and if you’re into the nightlife scene, Fortitude Valley is just across the bridge. It’s sort of the perfect base if you want to explore Brisbane like someone who actually lives here, rather than hitting all the obvious tourist spots. For a 4-star place, it delivers exactly what it promises – nothing more, nothing less, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.